Swallowing disorders in Parkinson's disease

The aim of this study was to assess the reflex and oral, pharyngeal, esophageal phase of swallowing in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Eighteen patients with PD and 22 healthy control subjects were investigated using electromyography (EMG) and esophageal scintigraphy. This study demonstrated delayed triggering of the swallowing reflex (443±84 ms in patients with PD vs. 230±96 ms in controls, p<0.05) and prolongation of laryngeal movement...